Operation keep J.J. off the highlight film failed, but it also succeeded

All the (deserved) attention Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has gotten through the first four games didn’t go unnoticed by his defensive teammates.

So they formulated a plan.

“It was a big fun joke where everybody was messing with J.J.,” defensive end Antonio Smith said. “Connor, Cush, me, Cody. Just basically Brooks, the whole defense was like man, we all gotta get on the highlight film. The whole highlight film is J.J.

“So they called it operation keep J.J. off the highlight film by making plays too.”

A reporter popped in to note that the plan didn’t work. Watt, after all, had two sacks and a fumble recovery.

“Yeah, it did,” Smith said. “It worked out perfectly. J.J. still did his thing and everybody else is on the highlight film, too. It didn’t work the way they thought it was going to work, but it worked in a good way to where everybody was making plays. That’s the best way for it to be.”

Indeed, Smith had a sack fumble (Watt recovered the fumble and later asked if we saw how Smith pitched the ball right to him), safety Glover Quinn had a sack fumble, Brooks Reed, Danieal Manning and Kareem Jackson all had pass defenses and, of course, Manning and Jackson both returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Watt showed up at his locker at this point in Smith’s interview and another reporter called out to him: “J.J., he’s killing you over here.”

Watt shrugged and smiled.

“It’s all good,” Watt said. “We’re all making plays, nobody cares who gets the credit.”

“Tone just tells the truth,” Smith said.

• • •

See the best images from the Texans’ 38-14 win over the Titans.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson high steps across the goal line as he returns a fourth quarter interception for a touchdown during the Texans 38-14 victory over the Titans.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson high steps across the goal line as he returns a fourth quarter interception for a touchdown during the Texans 38-14 victory over the Titans.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Titans running back Chris Johnson is upended by Texans defensive back Alan Ball during the fourth quarter.

Titans running back Chris Johnson is upended by Texans defensive back Alan Ball during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texans defensive end J.J. Watt slaps hands with fans as he leaves the field after the Texans beat the Titans.

Texans defensive end J.J. Watt slaps hands with fans as he leaves the field after the Texans beat the Titans.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fullback James Casey scores on an 11-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive against the Titans.

Texans fullback James Casey scores on an 11-yard touchdown reception on the opening drive against the Titans.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Texans strong safety Glover Quin (29) sacks Titans quarterback Jake Locker during the first quarter. Locker was injured on the play and left the game.

Texans strong safety Glover Quin (29) sacks Titans quarterback Jake Locker during the first quarter. Locker was injured on the play and left the game.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) steps in front of Titans wide receiver Damian Williams (17) for an interception, that he returned 63 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) steps in front of Titans wide receiver Damian Williams (17) for an interception, that he returned 63 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) runs past Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) on his way to a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Texans cornerback Kareem Jackson (25) runs past Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) on his way to a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown.